Mick McCarthy begins his second reign as Republic of Ireland manager

Mick McCarthy was confirmed as Republic of Ireland manager at the Aviva Stadium today. Credit: Football Association of Ireland (FAI).

The Football Association of Ireland this afternoon unveiled Mick McCarthy as the Republic of Ireland manager, confirming that the former Ireland captain would take charge of the national senior side for two years, with Stephen Kenny set to succeed him after EURO 2020.

The FAI wasted little time in appointing McCarthy, with the draw for the EURO 2020 qualifying games at Dublin’s Convention Centre next Sunday certainly playing a role in the speedy appointment.

McCarthy, the former Ipswich Town manager, will aim to secure qualification for EURO 2020 as four of the games will be hosted in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

In his previous spell as Republic of Ireland manager, Mick McCarthy was in charge for 68 games and led the team to the Round of 16 in the 2002 FIFA World Cup during a six-year period between 1996-2002.

Former Wolves manager Terry Connor, who has worked with McCarthy for much of the last decade, will come in as assistant coach alongside former Ireland captain and record goalscorer Robbie Keane.

Today at the Aviva Stadium McCarthy spoke of his delight at being back in the top job in Irish soccer:

“I’m honoured and excited to be back with the Republic of Ireland. I am delighted that the FAI Board and CEO have given me this opportunity to lead the team to EURO 2020. I am looking forward to getting started and embracing this challenge to qualify for EURO 2020, where it would be fantastic to play in front of the Ireland supporters in Aviva Stadium.”

As a club manager in England, Mick McCarthy guided both Sunderland and Wolverhampton Wanderers to promotion to the Premier League, while also doing an excellent job at Ipswich Town.

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